Are you worried about global warming and its effects? Or maybe concerned about wildfires, drought, air pollution, or the rising cost of electricity, water, or fuel? These are all big challenges we face together, and many people may feel that they are simply too large and beyond our control — that we can't make a difference.

However, there is good news: each of us has the ability to make small, thoughtful changes to our lifestyles that can add up to meaningful environmental benefits and help support long-term sustainability. Many of these changes are not difficult at all, and you may already be doing some of them.

It's all about the carbon footprint. The things we do every day — traveling, eating food, and buying and using products that are produced, processed, packaged, and shipped — create greenhouse gas emissions. The total amount of these emissions associated with our activities is known as our individual carbon footprint.

How big is my own carbon footprint? Calculate it using resources from the Environmental Protection Agency, PG&E, or the Nature Conservancy.

What is the City of Manteca doing to lower its carbon footprint?

• The City has switched most of its employees to a 4-10 schedule, where most City offices are closed on Fridays, saving resources.
• The City's fleet of cars is steadily transitioning to hybrid vehicles that are more fuel efficient than standard gas-powered vehicles. There is an adopted goal of 60% of new City fleet vehicle purchases being zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2030, and 100% of new City fleet vehicle purchases being ZEVs by 2040.
• The City's Transit system uses buses that are either electric or run on compressed natural gas (CNG). Manteca gets its CNG from an award-winning City-owned plant where garbage (organic waste) collected in town is turned into fuel. The City's fleet of garbage collection trucks also uses this fuel.
• The City is fostering more pedestrian and bicycle use throughout Manteca, with its Active Transportation Plan as the overarching guide for developing walkable and bikeable routes throughout the city.
• The City has a citywide Organic Waste Recycling program (AB 1826) for commercial and residential garbage collection accounts.
• The City has a commercial solid waste recycling program (AB 341) to divert solid waste from landfills.

What can I personally do to lower my carbon footprint?

Easy steps I can take

Advanced steps for even more impact

Additional Resources

• Calculate your personal carbon footprint using resources from PG&E, the Nature Conservancy, and the Environmental Protection Agency
• Familiarize yourself with the various regional transportation alternatives to get you where you need to go
• Check out the City's Active Transportation Plan with information on local pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure
• Learn more about the City's organic waste recycling program and AB 1826
• Visit valleyair.org for Healthy Air Living ideas and rebate information for cleaner-burning wood stoves, electric lawnmowers, plug-in electric vehicles, and more
• The San Joaquin County Department of Solid Waste has more solid waste ideas and resources to help you save money and the environment